Paralegal (Supporting Families Workgroup- Torture Survivors Project)
Are you interested in joining an organization dedicated to increasing access to justice while addressing systemic inequities among the most vulnerable members of the Greater Los Angeles area? If yes, LAFLA is the place for you!
The Organization: LAFLA is a nonprofit law firm that protects and advances the rights of the most underserved—leveling the playing field and ensuring that everyone can have access to the justice system. With more than 90 years of service, LAFLA is the first and most experienced legal aid organization in Greater Los Angeles. LAFLA has more than 150 employees, including more than 70 attorneys, who provide free services and resources on a broad range of civil legal issues that impact healthy, safety, and self-sufficiency. Every year, LAFLA helps more than 100,000 people find their voice, regain control of their lives, and build a brighter future. Our unique combination of neighborhood offices, self-help centers at courthouses, and domestic violence clinics puts LAFLA on the frontlines in communities at the forefront of change. LAFLA also engages in impact litigation to help enact long-term systemic change—actively collaborating with a network of public and private partners to expand access to justice, identify needs in the communities we serve, and change laws and policies that adversely affect the underserved. For more information, please visit www.lafla.org
The Workgroup: The Supporting Families Workgroup (SFWG) helps and represents survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in obtaining restraining orders, and orders for custody, dissolution, visitation, and support. It also assists and represents undocumented survivors of domestic violence, torture, human trafficking, and other serious abuse in removal proceedings and before USCIS; and helps and represents individuals before USCIS to become U.S. Citizens. LAFLA is currently accepting applications for the position of Paralegal.
*NOTE – This position is part of a special program created using designated funds. There is no assurance of ongoing funding or employment beyond September 2022.
QUALIFICATIONS: • A four (4) year degree or Paralegal Certificate; • Experience aiding indigent populations, including experience interviewing clients who have experienced trauma; • Familiarity and/or knowledge of immigration law for survivors of torture, battery and/extreme cruelty; • Experience working with low-income individuals, survivors of violence, immigrants and/or other marginalized populations; • Experience meeting grant deliverables and contributing to grant reports preferred; • Self-motivated, takes initiative, ability to learn quickly; • Excellent written and verbal communication; • Knowledge of Word and Legal Solutions; • Ability to exercise sound independent judgment; • Ability to be flexible in job duties; • Excellent organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail; • Ability to maintain positive working relationships with clients and colleagues; and • Bilingual in a secondary language preferred. Paralegal SFWG Torture Survivor – Aug 2020 *Assigned location is subject to change during course of employment.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: • Screen potential clients for program eligibility and suitability and assist with client follow-up; • Interview and counsel clients, perform investigative work and prepare legal forms and client declarations under attorney supervision; • Conduct legal research; • Assist with outreach events if deemed appropriate by health officials; • Develop written materials and presentations related to legal and social services for asylees and refugees; • Assist with identification and finalization of grant report information; • Provide legal support to staff attorneys related to immigration cases; and • Work collaboratively with community partners.
BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION - LAFLA offers a diverse environment with competitive compensation based on comparable public interest salaries. We also offer a generous benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, and vision for employees and dependents, life insurance, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, and 403(b) retirement plans. Eligible employees may also qualify for bilingual supplements, law student loan reimbursements, and a cell phone stipend. HOW TO APPLY -Please submit a cover letter and resume online to jobs@lafla.org. Include “Paralegal-SFWG Torture Survivor” in the subject line.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD - A nine-month probationary period will be required. AN EQUAL
OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - Selection will be based solely on merit and will be without discrimination because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, citizenship, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partners status, or any other legally protected status.